An Irish woman and her husband were found dead in a jacuzzi while on holiday with family in Spain. Their two young children reportedly alerted the homeowner after discovering their naked bodies at the rented villa in Cap Blanc in Cullera, near Valencia, at around 5pm local time on Tuesday.
Investigation launched after possible evidence found
The local homicide squad is leading the probe after first officers at the scene found 'possible evidence' that a crime had taken place. Local reports say the pair, aged 50 and 45, had injuries consistent with 'puncture wounds'. However, the possibility that they suffered an accident while in the hot tub has not been ruled out.
The woman was Irish and came from a well-respected family in County Monaghan, according to the Irish Mirror. She had been living and working in England for over ten years. Her husband is believed to originate from Australasia.
Family and community in shock
"She and her family are very well-known in the Monaghan area," one source told the Irish Mirror. "News is just filtering through back home about what has happened. People are very shocked."
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed to the Irish Mirror that it was aware of the incident and was providing consular assistance in the case of one Irish citizen. A spokeswoman said: "The Department is aware of this case and is providing consular assistance in the case of the Irish citizen concerned. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases."
Discovery at Cap Blanc in Cullera
The tragic discovery was made on Tuesday afternoon (August 25) at an exclusive residential development known as Cap Blanc in Cullera. The town, approximately 25 miles south of Valencia, has a population of roughly 25,000 residents.
Officers from Cullera Town Hall's local police force attended the scene alongside the Civil Guard, which has now assumed control of the investigation. Three relatives of the Irish woman are believed to have departed Monaghan on Tuesday night and reached Valencia in the early hours of this morning. They are now caring for the couple's children.
It remained unclear how long the deceased couple had been residing in the locality. Cap Blanc is a well-known golden-sand beach and residential area in Cullera, close to the resort's lighthouse. The gated estate's villas and apartments offer panoramic views across the Mediterranean Sea. Cap Blanc beach stretches 630 metres along a semi-urban coastline.
